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Brief Summary

Yamaha has gone back to the drawing board and redesigned it 21’ (6.40 m) series of boats, formerly known as the 210 Series. Now, as the 212 Series, these boats have more in common with the larger 24’ (7.32 m) models than the predecessor models. The 212 Series consists of three models, the 212 Limited for luxury, the limited S with the watersports tower, and the tricked-out-for-watersports 212 X that we tested. Let’s see how this new models shapes up.

Key Features

Colors available in Black or Space Blue

Removable dinette table with pedestal

Adjustable Captain's Chair with flip-up bolster

Integrated removable cooler

Integrated swim platform

Marine stereo

3 position No Wake Mode control

Bimini top

Aluminum folding wakeboard tower

Painted trailer with swing-away tongue

Specifications

Length Overall

21' 3'' 6.48 m

Beam

8' 5'' 2.57 m

Dry Weight

3,605 lbs. 1,635 kg

Tested Weight

4,325 lbs. 1,962 kg

Draft

16'' .41 m

- Draft Up

N/A

- Draft Down

N/A

- Air Draft

N/A

Deadrise/Transom

20-deg.

Max Headroom

open

Bridge Clearance

7' 3'' 2.21 m

Weight Capacity

1,860 lbs. 843 kg

Person Capacity

10

Fuel Capacity

50 gal. 189 L

Water Capacity

Length on Trailer

N/A

Height on Trailer

N/A

Trailer Weight

N/A

Total Weight(Trailer, Boat, & Engine)

N/A

Prices, features, designs, and equipment are subject to change. Please see your local dealer or visit the builder's website for the latest information available on this boat model.

All fuel consumption numbers are the total for all engines in the boat. Speeds are measured with Stalker ProSports radar gun or GPS. Fuel consumption (gallons per hour) measured with Floscan digital fuel-flow meter or by on-board factory-installed diagnostic instruments. Range is based on 90% of published fuel capacity. Sound levels determined using Radio Shack digital decibel meter on A scale. 68 dBA is the level of normal conversation. Time to plane is measured from start of acceleration to formation of rooster tail behind boat.

Performance Chart

Acceleration Times & Test Conditions

Time To Plane

N/A

0 to 30

6.3 sec.

Ratio

N/A

Props

22.9 deg SS 3 blade

Load

2 persons, full fuel, no water, 50 lbs. of gear

Climate

93 deg., 66 humid.; wind: 0-5 mph; seas: calm

Captain's Report

The all-new 212X from Yamaha is targeting the watersports market with lower costs and jet propulsion.

Overview

Yamaha has recently redesigned, and reimagined, its entire 21’ (6.4m) boat line from the keel up. As result, these boats have more in common with the larger flagship models. The three boat lineup includes the 212 Limited S with its forward swept tower, the luxury 212 Limited and the water sports themed 212X.

The model we tested, the 212X has specific features that target the watersports action. It comes equipped with 1,100 lbs. (498.95 kg) of total ballast in three tanks, a billet aluminum rear view mirror, a premium watersports tower, a premium sound system that includes a tower mounted sound bar, subwoofer, 500 W amplifier, and six Polk audio midrange speakers.

The 212X is a sleek looking boat with performance to match.

Features Inspection

Operational Features

Power to Play

When we tested the Yamaha 212X, the first thing we noticed was that this was a powerful boat. That’s a good thing for a boat that is intended to not only carry a lot of friends, but do so while towing someone at the end of the line.

Home Grown

A simple lift of the latch at the rear seat hatch allows the engine cover to lift effortlessly on twin assist struts secured to heavy-duty brackets. These twin 1812cc HO engines are purpose built by Yamaha, which carries two significant benefits. First, there’s no third-party to deal with if warranty issues come up. Whatever happens owners will be dealing with Yamaha, and Yamaha alone. Secondly, these are not stock engines that were pulled off a motorcycle and then modified for use on the water. They were designed and built for Yamaha’s marine market and as such are up to the rigors that boating puts on its powerplants.

Engine Installation

The engines take up plenty of available space in the engine compartment but there’s still room to get to all the major components, and certainly enough to perform the daily checks and regular maintenance. We can also see the two Water Puppy pumps for filling the triple ballast tanks and it’s hard to miss the white hose running down the center of the two engines for channeling the cockpit drains overboard.

The engines are purpose built by Yamaha for marine applications.The battery switches are under the portside cockpit seating. To the right in this shot is the rigid ballast tank with a sight gauge showing the level.

Quiet Cruise

Yamaha boats used to scream when hitting the throttle… literally. They were loud and Yamaha knew it. Now it has done something about it. From the keel up there is sound dampening that creates a much quieter ride, and we noticed it immediately. More the point, we were able to talk about it… at cruise speed.

Clean Out Ports

Under the hatch at the transom lounge area there are access ports to reach down into the impellers from. At the bottom of these ports are large plugs that release with a quarter twist. Once out we can get to the impellers to remove any debris, or plastic bags that some careless boater dropped into the lake that we inadvertently ran over.

Naturally, no one in their right mind would reach down into a spinning impeller, and whenever the engine is running, the blades are turning. So Yamaha put in a safety feature that kills the engines when the hatch is open. Safe, and foolproof!

Ground Tackle

At the bow the 212X has a hatch over the anchor locker that opens with a lift and lock latch. The compartment is large enough for the anchor to share space with the forward reboarding ladder. The locker is held in place by wedge mounts to secure the stocks of the anchor and to keep it from bouncing out of these wedges. Yamaha set aside the traditional twist-type anchor keepers and instead added clever brackets under the hatch that rest atop the anchor to keep it secure when closed.

The anchor stores inside the compartment at the bow and it shares space with the reboarding ladder. Notice the bracket under the hatch that holds the anchor down when the hatch is closed.

Helm

Yamaha did a great job making a classy helm for the 212X. It includes dark tones that reduce strain on the eyes on sunny days. Front and center are two tachometers that give the primary information but most of the time drivers will be getting data from the most significant feature… the Connext controller.

The helm is laid out in dark tones that keep glare at bay.

The Connext controller is a 7” (17.78 cm) touchscreen that includes intuitive menus to give full control of the towing parameters, boat data, and sound system. It can be controlled by either the joystick knob, which we first came to appreciate on the 24’ (7.32 m) models, or touch. And towing data can be saved for individual riders and recalled easily.

With the home screen we can see our fuel level, RPMs and speed, water depth in blue… the music tab allows switching between bands and inputs… volume is just below.The system can be used by touchscreen or with this clever joystick.We found a relaxed cruise position with the hand resting on the up and down buttons for the cruise and no wake speed incremental adjustment buttons.The ballast controls are seen here. In the center, the three tanks are filled. To the sides are six presets that can be programmed for individual riders.

With its stereo functions the Connext system also serves at the entertainment hub of the 212X. Not only can we listen to radio, but also Bluetooth and USB connectivity allows us to hear our Smartphones, weather radio and Sirius satellite radio.

The joystick provides two buttons for the incremental changes to Cruise Assist and No Wake modes. When anchored, the unit goes into “float mode” and the display changes to show a voltage meter and water depth. If there’s a significant drop in voltage, such as when sitting all day with the tunes cranking, an audible alarm will sound to alert the captain that it’s time to start the engines and charge up the battery.

Articulating Keel

The premium steering wheel is mounted to a tilt base and controls not only the jet exhaust nozzles but also the Articulating Keel that gives more precise steering at both low and high speeds. More important is that we now have off-throttle steering.

Previously, the only way to steer a jet boat was by directing the thrust from the exhaust nozzle. If there was no thrust, such as when the throttles were at idle or neutral, there was no steering. This created a rather disconcerting feeling at times. Imagine heading towards an obstacle, pulling back the throttle and turning away only to have the boat continue on its original course. Now, with the articulating keel, even with no thrust, we still have steering.

The Articulating Keel is connected by a tie bar to the starboard nozzle so steering controls both at the same time.

Tracking is Also Much Improved. With only thrust to maintain a straight track the stern would get pulled slightly when a skier zigged back and forth. Also, following seas were problematic. Both of these issues are now eliminated thanks to the articulating keel. Acting much as a rudder, we have straight tracking when towing and more control authority when operating in choppy water is following the boat.

A convex rear view mirror mounted on the windshield frame helps the operator remain oriented with the end of the towline.

Test Results

The Yamaha 212X has a LOA of 21’3” (6.48 m), a beam of 8’5” (2.57 m) and with no outdrive she has a depth of 16” (40.6 cm). With an empty weight of 3,605 lbs. (1,635 kg), full fuel, and two people onboard, we estimated our test weight at 4,325 lbs. (1,962 kg).

With the twin 1.8L 1812 HO Yamaha marine engines powering our test boat, we reached a top speed of 50.8 mph at 7400 rpm. Best economic cruise was reached at 5500 rpm and 30.3 mph. It was at that speed where the fuel burn was 10.75 gph that translated into 2.81 mpg and a range of 127 miles, all while holding back a 10% reserve of the boats 50-gallon (189 L) fuel total fuel capacity.

During our tests we reached a top speed of 50.8 mph.Turning performance is enhanced with the articulating keel.

Handling

As for her handling, the 212X is an exhilarating boat to drive. Hitting the throttles had us accelerating through 30 mph in just over 6 seconds. She’s quick to respond to the helm which provides the exciting ride. Crossing wakes showed more of that responsiveness and she also kept spray under control, which kept the windshield dry. She bleeds off very little speed when cranking but is she’s held to the turn long enough she’ll do that fun spin-out that jet boats have come to be associated with.

While we didn’t get to test her on a choppy day, crossing the wakes showed a nice dry ride with no pounding hull slap.

Towboat Handling

For towing, we used the Connnext system to fill the tanks. This gave a visual indicator of which tanks were being filled and how far along they were in the process. One topped off we were ready. We noticed straight tracking thanks to the articulating keel system, even when towing a boarder who was dishing out heavy pulling loads to the sides. We were also able to easily produce a wake that allowed a transition from wakeboarding to surfing.

Even when a boarder is pulling to the sides the 212X tracks straight and true.Catching air behind the 212X is easy with custom sized wakes.The 212X makes an easy transition to surfing.

Watersports Features

Given that this is a dedicated watersports platform, we need to take a look at the features specific to that discipline.

In the cockpit, of course there’s storage under both side seats, but in this location Yamaha has a different take on the ballast system. Rather than use inflatable sacks, here the tanks are solid, and mounted across the stern. They include sight windows to visually check the levels, and most importantly, they don’t impede on the available storage like we usually see. They’re filled by way of bronze commercial grade Water Puppy pumps by Jabsco. These two tanks, along with the sole storage sack, add up to 1,100 lbs. (499 kg) total ballast.

The rigid tanks at the stern have sight gauges to visually see how much ballast in present.

The 212X comes standard with a forward raked watersports tower that’s powder coated black to match the topsides and customized at the bottom to match the model. It includes a bimini for shade and an elevated tow point. Swivel board racks are not included by Yamaha but instead are purchased after-market. This allows the owner to mount the racks of choice since there are so many models to choose from.

The tower is powder coated and includes the Bimini top and a sound bar.

To the top of the tower there’s a sound bar connected to the high end Polk audio system with a subwoofer and amplifier mounted under the cockpit seating. Over the helm, there’s a convex rear view mirror mounted to the windshield frame. It’s fabricated from billet aluminum and completely adjustable.

Onboard Features

Stern

Yamaha pioneered the concept of making the stern into a more functional gathering area, thanks to the company’s low profile engines providing so much more roominess. The transom on Yamaha boats has therefore come to identify the brand as a whole. Here, it consists of two levels that project 19” (48.3 cm) and 16” (40.6 cm) from the transom. The area is made even more inviting with the addition of a standard removable pedestal table that inserts into a bracket to starboard and the stereo remote to port. The upper deck has backrests that curve around for added comfort. Speakers and beverage holders are also to both sides.

The stern of the 212X is a comfortable gathering area for anytime the boat isn’t underway.

For watersports, the stern makes an ideal staging area for putting boards on and entering the water and non-skid matting is included. For reboarding, there’s a concealed swim ladder under the center of the lower deck and two grab handles aid in the reboarding.

Cockpit

The cockpit is entered from a centerline walkthrough and a filler cushion completes the U-shaped seating that wraps around the entire stern and comes ahead to meet the twin bucket seats. The Polk Audio speakers are recessed into the padded bulwarks adjacent to expandable storage pouches. Beverage holders are corner mounted.

The U-shaped seating in the cockpit has a centerline walkthrough from the transom. Notice the standard carpeting on the deck.

The same pedestal table from the transom can be relocated to this position and the quality of the table bears mention. Yamaha utilizes a high-end version with non-skid matching the transom decking. Two drink holders are mounted in the corners.

A pedestal table adds to the entertainment capabilities. Notice that it’s a high-end model with non-skid matting and two chromed drink holders.

Forward Cockpit Bucket Seats

Ahead of the U-shaped seating are a pair of bucket seats. Both of these forward seats are on pedestals allowing them to slide and swivel. The port side seat swings around 180-degrees to allow it to serve as an observer’s seat when towing. The helm seat swings around roughly 45-degrees so as to not come into inadvertent contact with the throttles when swiveling. Both, however, have flip up armrests and while the port includes a reclining feature with the armrests self-leveling. Cargo net storage is secured to the backs. Beverage holders and a grab handle are to the side.

The cockpit bucket seats swivel, slide, have flip-down armrests, flip up bolsters and the port seat reclines.The back of the seats has cargo net storage.

Port Side Entertainment Center

Ahead of the port seat there are two storage compartments, one over the other. When the upper one is opened the lid, which flips downward, creates a tray for making a convenient snack center. Atop the console Yamaha included a recessed area for putting quick grab items.

The portside entertainment center is a great convenience for onboard gatherings.

Cockpit Storage

Of course there’s the usual storage under the cockpit seating. Inside the helm console is additional storage and both this, and the port console storage are accessed from the center walkthrough to the bow. The port console storage is occupied by a 38-quart (36 L) carry-on cooler. In the deck is sole storage under a hatch released by a turn and lock latch and held open with a single support strut.

A cooler stores in the port-side console.

Bow

As expected, we continue forward through the centerline walkthrough that can be closed off by both the windshield and a lower air dam if the cruising gets too chilly.

The bow is quite roomy, largely due to Yamaha carrying the 212X beam so far forward. We measured 6’4” (1.93 m) between the rear bolsters and 4’6” (1.37 m) as the bolsters run forward. To the sides are inserts with courtesy lights al-a company’s 24-footers.

The bow of the 212X is comfortable and roomy thanks to Yamaha carrying the beam so far forward.The speakers are recessed into the bulwarks. Inserts behind house courtesy lights and drink holders that we’ve seen on the larger models. Additional drink holders are ahead.

Among the 212X’s many premium features are the stainless steel handrails, chromed cup holders, and upgraded marine vinyl seating. Two speakers bring the music to the front and billet aluminum grab rails add to the security.

The bow features two lounge seats with 25” (64 cm) between each one, so guests can sit facing each other without knocking knees together.

There’s the added comfort of backrests that have a slight wraparound to help hold the occupants secure a little more comfortably than if they were just holding on to the grab rails. Even more comfort is had from the 20” (51 cm) width of the seats. There’s the usual storage under each of the side seats, but Yamaha utilizes scissor-style hinges attached to the rear of the cushions allowing them to be opened from the front for better access to the storage.

We can also reconfigure the bow seating in several different ways. First, we can remove the two forward cushions and sit with our feet on the deck. We’d like to see a grab handle or strap for making this more comfortable. Filler cushions convert the area into a sunpad. And we can reposition those same filler cushions to create three-across seating.

The bow can be configured in multiple ways depending on how it will be used for the day.

Fully forward there’s a step up to the foredeck and with its non-skid surface this makes a safe launching off point for diving into the water as well as a boarding surface for bow in docking. Under the hatch is a reboarding ladder.

Storage in the bow is accessed from hinged seat cushions that open from the front.A step leads up to the foredeck making it easy to board from a bow-in docking. It’s also a great place to jump into the water from.

Observations

It’s always interesting when we see a builder develop an upgrade to an existing model. Here, Yamaha seems to have given the 210 Series enough of a kick to justify the new numbering nomenclature, and moved it up to compete with the larger models. As for the 212X, we now not only have a comfortable boat for the family to show off to the friends and neighbors, we also have a capable watersports platform that even our pro wakeboarder was impressed with.

Test Result Highlights

Best cruise for the Yamaha 212X (2019-) is 30.3 mph (48.8 kph), and the boat gets 2.81 miles per gallon (mpg) or 1.19 kilometers per liter (kpl), giving the boat a cruising range of 127 miles (204.39 kilometers).